Instagram Reels size: dimensions, aspect ratio and length (2026)
Short answer: make Reels 1080 × 1920 pixels, a 9:16 vertical frame. Meta's Reels spec allows up to 1920 pixels wide, 23 to 60 fps, MP4 or MOV (H.264 or HEVC video, AAC audio), 3 seconds to 15 minutes and 300 MB at most. Keep text out of the top 14%, the bottom 35% and 6% on each side.
Instagram Reels specs at a glance
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Recommended size | 1080 × 1920 px (full HD, vertical) |
| Aspect ratio | 9:16 recommended "to avoid cropping or blank space"; anything from 0.01:1 to 10:1 is accepted |
| Maximum width | 1920 horizontal pixels |
| Frame rate | 23 to 60 fps |
| File type | MOV or MP4, moov atom at the front, no edit lists |
| Video codec | H.264 or HEVC, progressive scan, closed GOP, 4:2:0 chroma |
| Video bitrate | VBR, 25 Mbps maximum |
| Audio | AAC, up to 48 kHz, mono or stereo, 128 kbps |
| Length | 3 seconds minimum, 15 minutes maximum |
| File size | 300 MB maximum |
| Cover image | JPEG, 8 MB maximum, sRGB, 9:16 recommended (other shapes are cropped to the middle 9:16) |
| Caption | 2,200 characters; about the first 125 show before "more" (caption length checker) |
Source for every row except the caption: Meta's Instagram Platform reference, "Reel Specifications". That spec is written for publishing Reels through Meta's API; the limits in the Instagram app (especially maximum length) can differ by account, so check the upload screen before a long post. Checked 30 October 2026.
Does my video fit Reels?
Choose a video file to check it. It is read in your browser and never uploaded.
The checker reads width, height and length. Browsers don't expose frame rate or codec, so check those in your editor's export settings.
Reels safe zone
Instagram draws the caption, username, audio label and like, comment and share buttons over the bottom and right of a Reel, and the camera and header icons over the top. Meta's ads guide for Reels suggests leaving roughly 14% of the top, 35% of the bottom and 6% on each side free of text, logos and key elements (Meta ads guide). On 1080 × 1920 that is about 269 px top, 672 px bottom and 65 px each side. Test your own frame with the safe zone checker.
How to make a video Reels-ready
- Start from a video you own. Open it in Millwards Studio; the file is read in your browser.
- Choose the 9:16 vertical layout. A landscape clip is reframed so the subject stays in the frame (more in landscape to vertical).
- Trim to the hook. Cut the dead air at the start. Shorter Reels are easier to watch to the end.
- Add captions inside the safe area. Keep them above the bottom 35% so Instagram's caption and buttons don't cover them.
- Export and upload. Free exports are 720p WebM made in your browser, with a watermark. Pro (£12 per month) exports 1080p MP4 with no watermark. Meta's spec lists MP4 or MOV, so if your upload route won't take WebM, convert it first or use a Pro MP4.
Related sizes
- YouTube Shorts size: also 9:16, but square counts too and the limit is 3 minutes.
- TikTok, Reels and Shorts sizes side by side.
- Crop a video to 1:1 for the square feed.
FAQ
What size is an Instagram Reel?
1080 x 1920 pixels at a 9:16 vertical aspect ratio. Meta's Reels publishing spec recommends 9:16 to avoid cropping or blank space and allows at most 1920 horizontal pixels.
What aspect ratio should a Reel be?
9:16. Meta's spec accepts anything between 0.01:1 and 10:1, but recommends 9:16 so the video fills the screen without cropping or blank space.
How long can an Instagram Reel be?
Meta's Reels publishing spec allows 3 seconds minimum and 15 minutes maximum. The limit shown in the Instagram app can differ by account, so check the upload screen before a long post.
What size should a Reels cover be?
Use a 9:16 JPEG, for example 1080 x 1920, up to 8 MB in sRGB. If the image is not 9:16, Meta crops the middle 9:16 rectangle and uses that as the cover.
Can I post a landscape video as a Reel?
It is accepted, but it will not fill the screen and will show blank space. Reframe it to 9:16 first so the subject stays in view.
Is my video uploaded when I use the checker?
No. Your browser reads the file's size and length on your device. Nothing is sent to Millwards Studio.